June 8, 2023 6:30 pm
Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Much Ado About Nothing”: U-M Residential College/Nichols Arboretum

June 14, 811, 1518, & 2225. Carol Gray, Rob Sulewski, & Graham Atkin direct students and local actors in an alfresco production of Shakespeare’s sharp-tongued comedy that begins in the valley and moves across the Arb to conclude in the peony garden. The high-spirited plot involves 2 pairs of young lovers. One couple, both disdainful of love, are tricked into acknowledging each other, while the other couple’s love is nearly ruined by a deception that, abetted by the paranoia of returning military heroes, leads to trumped-up charges of infidelity. The play is best known for its charged sexual banter and for the penetrating wit and often dark cast of its humor. This year’s production is the first not under the supervision of Shakespeare in the Arb founder Kate Mendeloff, who passed away from cancer this April. Audience members should be prepared for light weather conditions, periods of sitting, standing and walking. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Peony Garden entrance at 1610 Washington Heights. $25 (Matthaei-Nichols members, $20; students, $15) in advance only. Tickets go on sale May 22 (May 15 for members) at mutotix.umich.edu & the Michigan Union Ticket Office and are held at will call at the Arboretum Visitor Center. 998–9540.

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